The pool is feeling deeper.
That was a major takeout as I undertook the monthly task of Zero Hanger's AFL Draft Power Rankings.
Releasing a top 30 in the middle of the Under-18s National Championships is naturally challenging, given the sides have played an unequal number of games, so a more accurate synopsis will crystallise following the conclusion of the carnival.
But what is clear is that across the board, plenty of players have made irrepressible cases for inclusion in the top 30 with their upside and form so far, and many players from last month's top 30 have continued playing strong footy. That has caused more than 30 players to feel like top 30-calibre talent, creating a squeeze and providing optimism about the depth of the class.
It is, however, worth pointing out that many of the known quantities entering 2026 have been less consistent than those who have bolted which will need to be weighed up.
There are mitigating reasons for some such players. Harry Van Hattum missed a month with injury leading into the Under-18s National Championships, Wil Malady has been battling niggles and Xavier Ladbrook is raw and has been thrown around positionally. Yet the upside of each of those players, in particular, is eye-catching.
It's also worth highlighting that clubs are increasingly willing to seek mature-aged talent with the industry getting a glimpse of what readymade players can provide which will be a factor in the decision-making of clubs considering longer term propositions.
A frustrating factor to weigh up for recruiters is that many of the prospects around the top 30 mark – Dougie Cochrane, Darcy Szerszyn, Hugh McCallum, Ethan Matthews, Khaled El Souki, Archie Van Dyk, Jack Pickett, Koby LeCras, Blake Justice – have missed or will miss significant chunks of the year through injury.
With many of those who have had full seasons putting up compelling cases for selection, clubs may think twice before speculating on certain injured prospects.
Depth is a positive in any draft, but is particularly pleasing in 2026, given clubs will be desperate to land A-Grade talent given the subsequent drafts will be compromised due to Tasmania's arrival.
George Dimer, Toby Krasna, Jordan Knapp, Hawthorn Next Generation Academy prospect Keenan Boi and Lachie Hicks are among the players on the precipice. Dimer and Boi are small forwards, the former arguably the cleanest player in the crop, the latter impressing with his ability to power through stoppages and both impressing so far at the Under-18s National Championships.
Krasna is rising as an athletic winger who runs all day and has great skill, Knapp remains around the mark as a balanced ball-winner and Hicks has traits employable as an inside or outside midfielder or forward at the next level.
Essendon Next Generation Academy talent Blake Justice is another to keep an eye on who could come quickly after an impressive first fortnight back after missing the early part of the season with a hamstring injury. An athletic 191cm wunderkind, he offers great utility value and skill. South Australian midfielder Memphis Webb is another worth tracking.
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25 - Jackson Phillips - Dandenong Stingrays
Phillips is a pure midfielder and when unleashed in there, he operates at a high level in every way. He's clean at stoppage, navigates his way through traffic well, is good with his disposal under pressure and can work forward and hit the scoreboard. Given an opportunity in there in the second half of Vic Country's opener, he proved those traits in spades. His fitness and ability to chain possession have given coaches the opportunity to showcase him on the wing and while he's shown promise there too, plays his best footy as a midfielder.
24 - Wil Malady - Gippsland Power
It's been an interesting year for Malady, with little niggling injuries interrupting him at times, but his opening game for Vic Country was an important microcosm of what he would provide an AFL club. With his mobility and ball-use, he's starting to prove he's more than just a third tall forward type, with his marking and decision-making also suited to a wing role. Has played in the midfield and even behind the footy for Caulfield Grammar, but looks most dangerous using his elite forward craft to escape opponents and kick goals. Sits higher in the eyes of many and could be one who climbs significantly in the next iteration.
23 - Cody Templeton - Gippsland Power
Frustratingly missed the first game of the Under-18s National Championships due to a foot injury, but will return this week with a pair of games under his belt for Gippsland. An interesting prospect to rank and there is a view he has a bit to prove at the carnival – his spread from contest and ball-use – given he lacks an eye-catching athletic profile or significant size. But as his admirers will point out – the footy smarts, toughness, ability to gain possession, win clearance, beat his opponent one-on-one and kick goals – his major strengths – are at an elite level. Will almost certainly be a high forward at AFL level if he makes it despite spending plenty of time in the midfield in the pathway.
22 - Khaled El Souki - Western Jets
The Western Bulldogs Next Generation Academy prospect returned from an ankle injury on limited minutes on Saturday and finished with two goals. On exposed form it's hard to look past what he has done at Talent League level with his finishing ability around goals arguably unmatched in the pool and he has shades of Kysaiah Pickett when he goes into the midfield. Detractors will point to some athletic limitations but the upside is significant.
21 - Gabriel Patterson - Glenelg
The best way to describe Patterson is busy. He's always on the move and always looks a step ahead with what he is thinking and trying to create. A medium forward who works hard, takes mark and backs himself to get around opponents, he's got a knack of popping up for goals even on his quieter days and his field kicking and athleticism also stand out. Has not had continuity in between a shoulder injury this year which has perhaps caused a touch of inconsistency.
